The Ministry of Public Health have decided to cease use of amalgam for dental restorations in the State of Qatar from 1st July 2021.

This document provides further explanation of aspects of the restrictions on the use of dental amalgam for the dental team.

Why is Qatar ceasing the use of dental amalgam?

While there is no evidence that dental amalgam presents a direct health risk to individuals who have amalgam restorations, mercury from dental amalgam waste contributes to environmental pollution.

Qatar has a longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, demonstrated as the fourth pillar in its National Vision 2030*^[1], wherein it emphasizes the importance in protecting the country’s environment for its children and future generations.

Consequently, Qatar along with other nations from around the world have signed an International Treaty (The Minamata Convention on Mercury, 2017)*^[2] that aims to address human activities which contribute to mercury pollution, to which dental amalgam contributes.